On immigration issue, even the language confounds

A local forum illustrated the immigration reform debate’s complexity Thursday, with participants unable to agree even on basic terminology.

The use of the words “amnesty” and “illegal immigrant” or who could rightly claim to be “for immigration reform” were as much a point of contention at the Sarasota Tiger Bay meeting as the specifics of any bill or law.

The war over words started with the opening question, when moderator and former state Sen. Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton, asked if the U.S. should allow amnesty for illegal immigrants in the nation now.

Kirschner said the definition of amnesty varies depending on an invidual’s stance on immigration overall. A U.S. Senate bill backed by Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Florida, last year had a lengthy process for undocumented residents to become legal, including paying fines and back taxes, yet he was criticized by some on the right for promoting amnesty, Kirschner said.

“That’s the furthest thing from amnesty,” Kirschner said of Rubio’s bill.

Kirschner, a Democrat, said few people are arguing for instant citizenship with no fines or penalties, yet the right classifies any bill as amnesty if it includes a pathway to becoming a legal resident.

A few moments later, Republican State Committeeman Christian Ziegler objected to being introduced as an opponent of immigration reform. Ziegler said that just because he doesn’t back the comprehensive immigration reform bills in Congress, does not mean opposes immigration reform that starts with securing the border.

“I think everyone is for immigration reform; there are just differences of opinion on how we need to address it,” Ziegler said.

After the debate, Ziegler said the left wing has tried to capture the “pro-immigration reform” label.

Ziegler repeatedly stated that any immigration reform has to start with securing U.S. borders. He likened illegal immigration to a broken water pipe, saying instead of mopping up the mess, a reasonable person would first shut off the water and repair the break.

Kirschner objected to use of the word “illegals” to describe people who are undocumented immigrants. The term dehumanizes up to 13 million people who are part of American society, he said.

Luz Corcuera, program director of Healthy Start Coalition of Manatee, said the debate was about people who worship, pay taxes and work.

“They only want to provide a life of dignity for their children,” Corcuera said.

Bennett, the moderator, defended use of the word “illegal.”

“If you’re not here legally, then you are here illegally,” Bennett said. “You can put lipstick on a pig, but it’s still a pig.”

Despite the disagreements, the participants generally agreed that Congress cannot afford to stand by and let the current immigration system continue.

“It can’t keep being unaddressed,” Ziegler said.

Jeremy Wallace

Jeremy Wallace has covered politics for more than 15 years.
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Last modified: April 4, 2014
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